Shoulderstand
Benefits
- Calms the nervous system
- Stimulates the thyroid
- Improves circulation
- Relieves mild anxiety and fatigue
Contraindications — when to avoid or modify this pose
- High blood pressure
- Neck injury
- Glaucoma
- Cervical spine conditions (arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease)
- Menstruation (traditional caution)
- Pregnancy
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia
Muscles worked
Contract / work (engaged)
- Core / abdominals
- Shoulders (deltoids)
- Upper back (trapezius)
- Biceps
Stretch / lengthen (released)
- Neck
- Lats (latissimus dorsi)
Chakra
Traditional association, based on common hatha yoga teaching — not a medical or scientific claim.
Using a folded blanket under the shoulders (not the head) helps preserve the natural curve of the neck.
Contraindications cross-checked against Yoga Journal's neck-safety guidance for supported shoulderstand. Biceps and lat activation confirmed by Ray Long's Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga. Blanket-support cue cross-checked against the user's own yoga-teacher-training course material. Osteoporosis/osteopenia caution added from the site creator's course material on joint stability (Round 3).
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for guidance from a qualified yoga teacher or medical professional. If you have an injury, a chronic condition, or are pregnant, consult a doctor and a certified instructor before practicing this pose.